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Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Sharon McFarland leads the processional into the auditorium at Level Grove Baptist Church during North Georgia Technical College’s commencement ceremony last year. This year’s ceremony will be held in the new Dr. Mark A. Investor Center for Living and Learning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Local colleges ready for commencement

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairThe Mark will host its first commencement ceremony for North Georgia Technical College next week, but Piedmont University will kick off graduation season with its commencement ceremonies this week.Piedmont University will hold two ceremonies on Friday, May 8, in the Mize Gym.
Mayor Franklin Brown

Mayor Franklin Brown

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Council plans to talk hotel concept

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairClarkesville will hold a called meeting next week to discuss plans for the hotel earmarked for a portion of the old courthouse property.
Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Josh Sheppard owns Red Hawk Pest Control in Clarkesville. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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In the zone

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Samantha SinclairAt his first ever chamber event, Josh Sheppard found himself standing by himself with his hands in his pockets.But then, he decided to get out of his comfort zone, take his hands out of his pockets, and use them to shake other hands in the room.
The Gainesville Inland Port is now open for business. (Keith Barlow/Staff)

The Gainesville Inland Port is now open for business. (Keith Barlow/Staff)

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Inland Port opens for business

News Staff
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
By Hannah CaudellOn Ga. 365 heading toward Gainesville, seven blue cranes tower over the trees at mile marker 30. This is the Northeast Georgia region’s newest infrastructural giant and economic powerhouse: the Gainesville Inland Port.
John Wilkinson

John Wilkinson

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Wilkinson retiring as North Georgia Tech president

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Samantha SinclairJohn Wilkinson is retiring as president of North Georgia Technical College.He formally made the announcement Tuesday. His last day will be June 30.“The opportunity I’ve had at North Georgia Technical College has been one of the most rewarding of my career,” Wilkinson said.
A young man prays at Demorest Springs Park during last year's Day of Prayer event. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

A young man prays at Demorest Springs Park during last year's Day of Prayer event. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

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Community readies for National Day of Prayer

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah Caudell and Samantha SinclairThe community will come together throughout the day Thursday, May 7 for National Day of Prayer.The day will begin at 7 a.m. in Batesville at Home, and continue weaving through the various cities in the county, reaching the last gathering place, Mt.
David Matthew Jackels

David Matthew Jackels

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Former SRO faces jail time, probation

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA former school resource officer (SRO) was convicted on April 7 for violation of oath of office after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) investigated.
Jody Wall, then Jody York, portrays Betsy Ross for her kindergarten class on May 25, 1976. The photo was taken by Leroy Moulder Studio of Clarkesville. (Submitted)

Jody Wall, then Jody York, portrays Betsy Ross for her kindergarten class on May 25, 1976. The photo was taken by Leroy Moulder Studio of Clarkesville. (Submitted)

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A sense of pride

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Samantha SinclairWhen Jody Wall was in kindergarten, it was the year of the country’s Bicentennial. And, her ABC Kindergarten class in Clarkesville had a graduation program with the theme “Our Salute to America.”She dressed up as Betsy Ross for the “Parade of Famous Americans.
County Commission District 3 candidates Danny McClellon, left, and Jason Smith, right, answer questions on issues of agribusiness, taxpayer dollars and the Unified Development Ordinance. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

County Commission District 3 candidates Danny McClellon, left, and Jason Smith, right, answer questions on issues of agribusiness, taxpayer dollars and the Unified Development Ordinance. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Candidates talk development at forum

News Staff
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Hannah CaudellDuring Tuesday night’s county commission public forum, the four candidates had two things on their minds: the state of Habersham’s agriculture industry and the county’s drafted Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Rena Thompson of Demorest looks at the sample ballots posted on the window of the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office before heading in to vote Monday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Rena Thompson of Demorest looks at the sample ballots posted on the window of the Habersham County Elections and Voter Registration Office before heading in to vote Monday morning. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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Early voting for primaries starts

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
By Samantha SinclairEarly voting for the May 19 primaries started Monday morning, with six people trickling in to vote within the first hour, according to Poll Manager Stephanie Martin.Charles Tench was one of those people.“I just like to get it behind me,” Tench said. “Because we never know.